Theme parks boost tourism
With the theme parks business booming, the UAE is preparing to welcome more family groups from the GCC and other regions. finds out from industry stakeholders how theme parks will boost family travel in the Middle East.
IMG Worlds of Adventure is set to open on August 15, 2016, and is poised to be the world’s largest indoor theme park. It has the capacity to host 30,000 visitors a day and looks to welcome 4.5 million visitors in its first year of operation.
Entry will cost AED 300 for adults and AED 250 for children.We are working on special packages for travellers. Wholly owned by Ilyas Mustafa Galadari Group, the theme park will house four zones – MARVEL, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard in a temperature controlled environment for year-round entertainment. It has several attractions including thrill rides and kiddie rides, 28 original F&B offerings, 25 retail outlets, a 12-screen state-of-the-art Novo Cinema multiplex with an IMAX screen and two VIP theatres.
Earlier this year, we announced the opening of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island in 2018. Owned by Miral, this development will also include the first Warner Bros-themed hotel, situated next to the theme park and will grow visitors to Yas Island. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s three-year expansion, which started in 2014, includes the opening of seven new rides and attractions and is expected to increase the Park’s overall capacity by 40 per cent.
We are excited about the innovative skyTran solution for transportation which aims to connect the current and future destinations on Yas Island and eventually link it to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The existing and upcoming developments on Yas Island are expected to increase visitor numbers from 25 million in 2015 to 30 million in 2018.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to become the Middle East’s largest family theme park destination, home to three theme parks; motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai, as well as LEGOLAND Water Park.
Bringing together the best of the East and the West, there are over 100 rides, shows and attractions, all linked by a buzzing dining and retail district. It is set to open in October this year and we expect to welcome 6.7 million ticketed visits in 2017, our first full year of operation. We are in regular discussions with our travel trade partners and we will have more details closer to our opening with special rates for the industry. Six Flags Dubai, the fourth theme park to open at Dubai Parks and Resorts, will be completed in 2019.
Yas Waterworld is the world’s only Emirati-themed waterpark, paying homage to the UAE’s tradition of pearl diving. The park’s 45 rides, slides and attractions follow the adventures of ‘Dana’ - a young Emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl that brought prosperity to the people of her village. Yas Waterworld pays homage to the Emirati culture and the country’s heritage in both its design and offerings.
The attractions at Yas Waterworld have also been developed taking into consideration different ages and preferences, creating a very wide target base. For example, specific kid’s zones such as Yehal and Marah Fortress are ideal for our younger guests; those looking to relax can enjoy the Amwaj Wave pool; among others. We look forward to welcome even more guests of all ages across all markets over the next few years. We create bespoke deals with travel agents and tour operators, tailored to the type and number of guests visiting us.